Ive got the purple Fox XT Spire.
Some thoughts:
1) Yes it has a lot of travel but I blow through travel on this bike like I have in no other, and Im far from a big hit rider. I expected that Id use only 150ish of the 170, but I use the full 170 all the time. It does not feel harsh at the top of the stroke.
2) Long bike - I went with a medium for my 5'9 versus my usual large. No regrets for the terrain I ride - which tends to be more technical jank than fast flow.
3) Stiffness - I have not perceived any of the rear flex that the review mentions.
4) A single bottle is a very tight fit in the medium.
5) First couple rides had a lot of pedal strikes. Ive figured it out better now and theyre not really a problem. I ride in the high position - never tried the lower - dont see the benefit for my riding.
I adore this bike. Super versatile and Im hitting things that I have not outside of a DH bike. It feels like a trail bike to me pedaling it around.
Feb. 17, 2022, 11:56 a.m. - Ddean
Ive got the purple Fox XT Spire. Some thoughts: 1) Yes it has a lot of travel but I blow through travel on this bike like I have in no other, and Im far from a big hit rider. I expected that Id use only 150ish of the 170, but I use the full 170 all the time. It does not feel harsh at the top of the stroke. 2) Long bike - I went with a medium for my 5'9 versus my usual large. No regrets for the terrain I ride - which tends to be more technical jank than fast flow. 3) Stiffness - I have not perceived any of the rear flex that the review mentions. 4) A single bottle is a very tight fit in the medium. 5) First couple rides had a lot of pedal strikes. Ive figured it out better now and theyre not really a problem. I ride in the high position - never tried the lower - dont see the benefit for my riding. I adore this bike. Super versatile and Im hitting things that I have not outside of a DH bike. It feels like a trail bike to me pedaling it around.